Rita Ora recently revisited the 2016 “Becky with the good hair” controversy, sharing how deeply the rumors affected her and how Beyoncé personally supported her through the ordeal. Speaking on the Begin Again podcast with Davina McCall on June 28, 2025, the British singer recalled the backlash she faced after the release of Beyoncé’s Lemonade album.

Ora was speculated to be the mysterious “Becky” mentioned in the track Sorry, a lyric that many interpreted as referencing infidelity involving Jay-Z. The singer reflected on the emotional toll it took, stating:

“It was the first time I experienced what it meant to be in a messy situation.”

She firmly denied the rumors, describing the accusations as entirely unfounded.

“It wasn’t real, of course not. I wish I had good hair,” Ora said.

Despite the intense public scrutiny, she emphasized how Beyoncé privately extended kindness and protection during the controversy.

“That’s my big sister, protector, and she took it upon herself to look after me.”

Ora went on to describe Beyoncé as her “fairy godmother,” recalling that the Single Ladies icon even attended her first New York show at The Box.

“She was my protector. That’s what’s insane because there was nothing but love,” Ora shared.

At the time of the rumors, Ora was signed to Roc Nation, Jay-Z’s entertainment company. Still, she insists there was never any personal issue between her and Beyoncé. Their joint selfie at the 2016 Met Gala was widely seen as a public display of unity that effectively ended the speculation.

“Then it was gone. Because there was never anything there in the first place,” Ora stated.

One specific moment that fueled the rumors was a 2016 Snapchat photo where Ora wore a necklace with the letter “R.” Some fans mistakenly believed the pendant was a “J,” leading to further unfounded speculation. Ora dismissed it as a coincidence and explained in a 2022 interview with Louis Theroux that people had “flipped it around.”

Rita Ora on Her Relationship with Taika Waititi

During the same podcast episode, Rita Ora also opened up about her personal life, sharing details about her relationship with husband Taika Waititi. She credited actor Robert Pattinson for introducing them and revealed that she proposed to Waititi herself in 2022.

“I’m holding the cake, and the balloons are all around us. He walks into the room and he’s like, ‘What the hell, is it Valentine’s Day?’”

Ora said she got down on one knee and proposed, not knowing what to expect. Waititi’s response was immediate:

“Absolutely!”

The couple began dating in 2021 and tied the knot in a private ceremony in August 2022. Only close friends and family attended, including Waititi’s daughters from his previous marriage.